Since the World Health Organisation declared Coronavirus (Covid-19) a global pandemic on 11^th March 2020, Governments around the world have taken different approaches to ‘lockdown’, ‘social distancing’ and public health measures, and the job and social security protections available to citizens and migrant workers. In the ensuing months, there have been increasing reports of the negative impact of the pandemic on workers in supply chains, particularly the most vulnerable including migrant, seasonal and agency workers, and the increased risks to workers during the recruitment process.

RRT and Stronger Together have launched the globally applicable and business-friendly practical guide to support businesses at this challenging time. For use by employers and labour providers/recruiters in global supply chains, the guide provides straightforward and clear steps and considerations for the responsible recruitment and supply of workers during Covid-19. It is particularly relevant for:

• ‘essential’ sectors where recruitment is ongoing, such as food, agriculture and healthcare;
• sectors that are considering the impact of reduced hours/lay-offs on workers; and
• sectors where some recruitment may be recommencing as restrictive measures begin to loosen.

Jantine Werdmuller von Elgg, Stronger Together Managing Director said, “Recruitment was already seen as a top human rights risk, and the Covid-19 pandemic has only amplified the risks of poor recruitment practices through the increased vulnerability of workers, greater reliance on agencies, virtual and fast-tracked procedures and a reduction in labour inspectorate and social auditing activities.”

Hannah Newcomb, RRT Managing Director added, “Many businesses want to do the right thing during the crisis and our new guide is intended as a practical checklist of steps and considerations that businesses can review against their practices, to minimise the risk of exploitation and ensure workers are treated safely, fairly and with respect throughout the recruitment process”.

Businesses can download the guidance for free at https://responsiblerecruitmenttoolkit.org/covid19[HN1] . The guide will be regularly updated as the impact of the pandemic evolves. Organisations are welcomed and invited to submit comment on contents and areas for development to info@responsiblerecruitmenttoolkit.org.

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www.responsiblerecruitmenttoolkit.org/covid19